Import element definitions

Learn how to import element definitions into a structured document with Adobe FrameMaker.

If you’re not sure whether an Adobe FrameMaker document has element definitions, open the Elements catalog and click in a text flow. If you see elements in the catalog, the document has definitions. You sometimes must select the All Elements option to get elements to appear (Element > Set Available Elements > All Elements).

If you are using a structured template, then element definitions are usually defined in it. However, sometimes your application developer may provide you with an EDD or DTD that you can directly import into your documents.

1. Open the template, EDD, or DTD with the element definitions. The template, EDD, or DTD must be named and saved.

2. Create a blank document or open the document or book that you want to update. If a book window is active, select the documents you want to update.

3. In the document or book you’re updating, choose File > Import > Element Definitions.

4. Select the template, EDD, or DTD from the Import From Document drop-down list. The drop-down list lists all open documents.

5. To remove special formatting and book-related changes in the document, do the following:

   To remove format rule overrides, select While Updating, Remove Format Rule Overrides. Use this setting if you have made text or paragraph formatting changes to elements and now want to return to the formatting described in the EDD or DTD.

   To remove element information derived from a book file, select While Updating, Remove Information Inherited from Book. Use this setting if the document used to be included in a book but is now a standalone document.

6. Click Import. FrameMaker adds the element definitions to the document’s Elements catalog, replacing existing definitions.